Spring balancers are accessories used in material handling to support the weight of equipment, machinery or tools.
Given that material handling can involve the movement of heavy goods, plus the need to perform repetitive tasks, spring balancers can support workers in multiple ways. That’s because the primary function of spring balancers is that they allow for the movement of the suspended item with little effort required.
Metreel is a leading supplier of industrial solutions in the UK, including the closely related tool balancer.
Keep reading to discover more about spring balancers, including how they can make your workplace safer and more efficient.
Spring Balancers: What Are They?
Spring balancers get their name from a pre-tensioned coil spring. This spring is housed in a contraption capable of safely balancing tools or objects above workers in industrial settings.
The spring is used to counterbalance the load, and the tension of the spring can be adjusted to match the load itself (i.e. tools or equipment) to ensure smooth operation. On the other end of the spring is a cable or wire which allows the workers to be able to reach the load and manually direct it to where they need it to be.
While often referred to as tool balancers, spring balancers are geared towards supporting heavier loads. They are often used in conjunction with grinders, pneumatic tools and welding torches.
Benefits Of Using Spring Balancers
Improves safety – Spring balancers support heavy loads and reduce repetitive movements, while also suspending equipment above the workers in a way that reduces the chance of injury. This includes preventing musculoskeletal injuries due to repetitive strain injuries or excessive strain placed on the joints.
Increases productivity – Giving the ability for tools and machinery to effectively ‘float’ above the worker improves speed when completing the applicable task. Tools can also remain in a fixed position, reducing the need to constantly locate and reposition the item. In combination, both of these aspects work to speed up output.
Extends life of tools and machinery – As tools are carefully suspended in place by spring balancers, the risk of the tool being dropped or damaged is reduced.
Types Of Spring Balancers
Depending on the load type and operating environment, spring balancers can be customised to maximise safety, production and equipment lifespan.
Examples of spring balancers include:
- Heavy-duty balancer
- Retractable balancer
- Safety balancer
- Standard spring balancer
- Torque-reaction balancer
- Zero gravity balancer
When choosing a spring balancer, check the product specifications such as the lifting capacity, lifting height, cable type and overall safety features.
Metreel – Discover Our Industrial Solutions
Spring balancers help to improve workplace safety by reducing operator fatigue as well as the risk of accidents due to lifting or handling heavy loads.
At Metreel, our core focus is creating products that increase safety and productivity within industrial settings.
Or, do you have a question about Metreel products? Please give us a call on 0115 932 7010 or fill out our contact form and we’ll be right with you.